[Deschler-Brown Precedents, Volume 17, Chapters 34 - 40]
[Ch. 36. Ceremonies and Awards]
[§ 4. —Patriotic Observances]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
[Page 146-168]
CHAPTER 36
Ceremonies and Awards
Sec. 4. --Patriotic Observances
Anniversary of the First Congress
Sec. 4.1 By unanimous consent, the House considered a concurrent
resolution providing for the participation of Members of the House
and the Senate in ceremonies in New York City commemorating the
bicentennial anniversary of government under the U.S. Constitution
at its original seat of government.
On Apr. 18, 1989,(1) Rep. Corinne C. (Lindy) Boggs, of
Louisiana, asked unanimous consent to consider a concurrent resolution,
as follows:
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1. 135 Cong. Rec. 6834, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
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Mrs. BOGGS. Mr. Speaker, I offer a concurrent resolution (H.
Con. Res. 96) providing for participation by delegations of Members
of both Houses of Congress in ceremonies to be held in April 1989
in New York City marking the 200th anniversaries of the
implementation of the Constitution as the form of government of the
United States, the convening of the First Congress, the
inauguration of President George Washington, and the proposal of
the Bill of Rights as the first 10 amendments to the Constitution,
and I ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The SPEAKER.(2) Is there objection to the request of
the gentlewoman from Louisiana?
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2. James C. Wright, Jr. (TX).
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There was no objection.
The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:
H. Con. Res. 96
Whereas the Constitution officially became the form of
government of the United States on March 4, 1789;
Whereas the First Congress convened in New York City on
March 4, 1789;
Whereas New York City served as the first capital of the
United States;
Whereas George Washington was inaugurated as the first
President of the United States in New York City on April 30,
1789;
Whereas while meeting in New York City, the first Congress
passed legislation creating the executive departments of the
Federal Government and the Federal court system; and
Whereas while meeting in New York City, the first Congress,
under the leadership of Representative James Madison of
Virginia, framed and proposed to the States the ten
constitutional amendments known today as the Bill of Rights:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring),
[[Page 147]]
That (a) the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the
President pro tempore of the Senate, in consultation with the
Minority Leaders and the Bicentennial Committee Chairmen of
their respective Houses, are authorized and directed to appoint
Members of their respective Houses to serve on a delegation of
Members of the Congress, which will take part in ceremonies to
be held in New York City in April 1989 commemorating the 200th
anniversaries of the implementation of the Constitution as the
form of government of the United States, the convening of the
First Congress, the inauguration of George Washington as the
first President of the United States, and the proposal of the
Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments to the Constitution,
and shall invite the President to join the delegation in
participating in the ceremonies.
(b) The specific planning of the ceremonies described in
subsection (a) shall be coordinated directly with the Historian
of the Senate, under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the
Senate, and the Historian of the House of Representatives,
under the jurisdiction of the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
Mrs. BOGGS (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous
consent that the concurrent resolution be considered as read and
printed in the Record.
The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Louisiana?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman from Louisiana [Mrs. Boggs] is
recognized for 1 hour.
Mrs. BOGGS. Mr. Speaker, this resolution provides for the
participation by delegations from the House and the Senate in the
ceremonies scheduled to be held in New York City the last weekend
in April to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the inauguration of
George Washington as the Nation's first President and the
implementation of our Government under the terms of the
Constitution.
The resolution empowers the Speaker of the House and the
President pro tempore of the Senate, in consultation with the
Republican leadership and the House and Senate Bicentennial
Commissions, to designate delegations to participate in the New
York City ceremonies later this month. Responsibility for
coordinating this effort is vested with the House and Senate
Historians.
Legislation with virtually the same effect, with only a slight
difference in wording, passed the House and Senate last year as
House Concurrent Resolution 115. There were 162 House cosponsors
and the vote in the House was 421 to 0. We must revisit this matter
again this year because the delegation was not appointed during the
100th Congress, therefore the 101st Congress must give its
approval.
I do not know how many of you watched television, heard the
radio or saw the newspapers, but on Sunday there began a
reenactment of George Washington's journey to the Federal Hall in
New York City for his inauguration. It began at Mount Vernon and
traveled through Alexandria and Georgetown last Sunday and Monday.
The reenactment will conclude with the oath-taking in New York City
on Sunday, April 30, and in related festivities sponsored by the
New York Commission, there will be fireworks, concerts, and a tall
ships flotilla.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution has been cleared with the
Committee on
[[Page 148]]
Post Office and Civil Service and with the Republican leadership,
and I ask unanimous consent for its approval.
The SPEAKER. The question is on the concurrent resolution.
The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Sec. 4.2 A joint meeting commemorated the 200th anniversary of the
commencement of the First Congress of the United States under the
Constitution.
On Feb. 23, 1989,(1) Speaker James C. Wright, Jr., of
Texas, was authorized, by unanimous consent, to declare recesses on
Mar. 2, 1989, for the purpose of celebrating the 200th anniversary of
the commencement of the First Congress of the United States under the
Constitution.
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1. 135 Cong. Rec. 2611, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
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On Mar. 2, 1989,(2) the following proceedings took
place:
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2. Id. at pp. 3210-18.
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The SPEAKER. Pursuant to the order of the House of Thursday,
February 23, 1989, the Chair declares the House in recess subject
to the call of the Chair, which will be at 10 a.m.
Accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 32 minutes a.m.), the House stood
in recess subject to the call of the Chair at 10
a.m. -------------------
{time} 1158
JOINT MEETING OF THE 101ST CONGRESS IN COMMEMORATION OF THE
BICENTENNIAL OF THE U.S. CONGRESS
During the recess, the following proceedings took place in
commemoration of the Bicentennial of the U.S. Congress.
The U.S. Army Band, under the direction of Col. Eugene W.
Allen, leader and conductor, Maj. C. Benjamin DuBose, conducting,
entered the door to the left of the Speaker, took the positions
assigned to them, and presented a prelude concert.
The honored guests entered the door to the right of the Speaker
and took the positions assigned to them.
The Doorkeeper, Hon. James P. Molloy, announced the President
pro tempore and Members of the U.S. Senate, who entered the Hall of
the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore taking the
chair at the right of the Speaker, and the Members of the Senate
the seats reserved for them.
The U.S. Army Band, under the direction of Col. Eugene W.
Allen, leader and conductor, and Maj. C. Benjamin DuBose, presented
a prelude concert.
The SPEAKER. The joint meeting to commemorate the Bicentennial
of the U.S. Congress will come to order.
The Doorkeeper announced the flag of the United States.
The flag was carried into the Chamber by the joint Armed Forces
color guard accompanied by the 3d U.S. Infantry Fife and Drum
Corps.
The national anthem was presented by the U.S. Army Band.
The color guard saluted the Speaker, faced about, and saluted
the House.
[[Page 149]]
The SPEAKER. The color guard will post the colors.
The flag was posted, and the Members were seated.
The SPEAKER. The invocation will be given by the Reverend James
David Ford, Chaplain of the House of Representatives.
The Chaplain, Rev. James David Ford, D.D., offered the . . .
invocation[.] . . .
The Doorkeeper announced the House and Senate Journals of the
First Federal Congress, and they were carried by the Clerk of the
House and the Secretary of the Senate and placed in the well.
The Doorkeeper announced the mace of the House and the gavel of
the Senate, and they were carried by the House and Senate Sergeants
at Arms and placed in the well.
The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
Louisiana, the Honorable Lindy Boggs, Chairman of the Commission of
the Bicentenary of the House of Representatives.(3)
[Applause.]
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3. H. Res. 83 established the Commission on the Bicentary of the House
of Representatives. See 135 Cong. Rec. 2508, 2509, 101st Cong.
1st Sess., Feb. 22, 1989. The Commission expired at the end of
the 101st Congress.
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Mrs. BOGGS. . . .
It is my great pleasure to introduce to you Senator Robert C.
Byrd, the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Chairman of
the Senate Bicentennial Commission[.] . . .
Senator BYRD [of West Virginia]. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Boggs,
Members of the 101st Congress, fellow citizens, as Chairman of the
Senate Commission on the Bicentennial, it is a privilege and an
honor for me to address this joint meeting commemorating the
beginning of the First Congress on March 4, 1789. . . .
The PRESIDENT pro tempore(4) (presiding). The Chair
recognizes the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr.
Jim Wright. [Applause.] . . .
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4. John C. Stennis (MS).
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The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the Senator
from Maine, the Honorable George Mitchell, the majority leader of
the U.S. Senate. [Applause.] . . .
The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Washington, the Honorable Thomas S. Foley, majority leader of the
U.S. House of Representatives. [Applause.] . . .
The SPEAKER. The U.S. Army Band will now perform America the
Beautiful.
The U.S. Army Band presented a musical interlude.
The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the distinguished gentleman
from Illinois, the Honorable Robert H. Michel, minority leader of
the U.S. House of Representatives. [Applause.]
Mr. MICHEL. . . .
Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to
introduce the Poet Laureate of the United States, Howard Nemerov.
[Applause.] . . .
The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the Senator from Kansas, the
Honorable Bob Dole, minority leader of the U.S. Senate. [Applause.]
Mr. DOLE. . . .
[[Page 150]]
Now I have the pleasure of introducing an outstanding American,
a very special guest speaker, David McCullough. David is well known
to us in the Senate, who debated the Panama Canal, the Panama Canal
treaties of 1978. A dog-eared copy of his book on the creation of
the Panama Canal, ``The Path Between the Seas,'' rested on the
table in the well of the Senate and was consulted extensively by
those on both sides of that heated issue. That book won the
National Book Award for history. His most recent book, a biography
of Theodore Roosevelt entitled ``Mornings on Horseback'' won the
American Book Award. He is a narrator of the forthcoming CBS
documentary produced in honor of the congressional bicentennial.
I am honored and proud to present David McCullough. [Applause.]
. . .
The SPEAKER. It is my privilege to present soloists of the U.S.
Army Band, Sfc. Will Shead and Sfc. Evelyn Yount, who will perform
a patriotic note.
Sfc. Will Shead and Sfc. Evelyn Yount presented a musical
interlude.
The SPEAKER. The Chair at this time would like to recognize Mr.
Anthony Frank, the Postmaster General of the United States, who
will introduce to Members the special congressional postage stamps
that will be issued in commemoration of the bicentennial of
Congress. [Applause.] . . .
The SPEAKER. The Chair at this time would like to recognize the
Honorable Nicholas Brady, Secretary of the Department of the
Treasury, who will introduce to us the special congressional coins
that will be issued in commemoration of the Bicentennial of
Congress. [Applause.] . . .
The SPEAKER. The stamp and coin designs will be available for
viewing in the Speaker's lobby after today's ceremony.
Now we will rise for the benediction which will be spoken by
the Reverend Richard C. Halverson, Chaplain of the Senate.
The Chaplain of the Senate, Rev. Richard C. Halverson, L.I.D.,
D.D., offered the . . . benediction[.] . . .
The SPEAKER. Members and guests will remain standing for the
retirement of the colors.
The color guard retired the colors.
The SPEAKER. The Chair declares the joint meeting dissolved.
The House will continue in recess until approximately 12 noon.
The honored guests, and the Members of the Senate retired from
the Chamber.
At 11 o'clock and 44 minutes a.m., the proceedings in
commemoration of the Bicentennial of the U.S. Congress were
concluded.
Sec. 4.3 Proceedings had in the House commemorating the 168th
anniversary of the institution of the Congress under the
Constitution.
On Mar. 4, 1957,(1) the proceedings in the House
commemorating the 168th anniversary of Congress and the bicentennial of
Alexander Hamilton's birth were held as follows:
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1. 103 Cong. Rec. 3034-40, 85th Cong. 1st Sess.
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The SPEAKER.(2) Under the previous order of the
House, the gentleman from New York [Mr. Coudert] is recognized for
60 minutes.
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2. Sam Rayburn (TX).
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[[Page 151]]
Mr. [Wayne N.] ASPINALL [of Colorado]. Mr. Speaker, a
parliamentary inquiry.
The SPEAKER. The gentleman will state it.
Mr. ASPINALL. Is not the Consent Calendar in order at this
time?
The SPEAKER. Not before this recognition. This was made the
special order of business at this time.
general leave to extend
Mr. [Frederic Rene] COUDERT [of New York]. Mr. Speaker, I ask
unanimous consent that immediately following the remarks of Members
who participate in this proceeding, all Members be permitted to
extend their remarks in the Record.
The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman
from New York?
There is no objection.
Mr. COUDERT. Mr. Speaker, today is the birthday of this ancient
and honorable body. One hundred and sixty-eight years ago today the
House of Representatives began life under the Constitution of the
United States in New York City. The day before, New York City rang
down the curtain on the old Government under the Articles of
Confederation by a salute of 13 guns and rang up the curtain on the
new Government the next morning by a salute of 11 guns. Members
will recall that neither Rhode Island nor North Carolina were
represented in the early days of the first Congress. Similar
celebrations ringing out the old and ringing in the new were held
in the cities of the Nation.
The 83d Congress established a Commission to prepare plans and
a program for signalizing the bicentennial of Alexander Hamilton. .
. .
Mr. [Peter W.] RODINO [Jr., of New York]. Mr. Speaker, today
the 168th anniversary of the institution of the Congress of the
United States under the Constitution, is a great moment in our
history. It is therefore appropriate that we should pause to
commemorate the occasion and pay tribute to the men whose wisdom,
purpose and courage brought about our unique system of
constitutional government. . . .
Mr. COUDERT. Mr. Speaker, permit me to express on behalf of the
Hamilton Commission, which includes another distinguished
descendant of Hamilton, our appreciation of the arrangements made
possible by the Speaker, the majority leader, and the minority
leader for this commemorative hour.
Sec. 4.4 Proceedings in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the
commencement of the First Congress of the United States under the
Constitution held in the House Chamber in joint session.
On Mar. 4, 1939,(1) the following proceedings occurred:
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1. 84 Cong. Rec. 2245-52, 76th Cong. 1st Sess.
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The VICE PRESIDENT.(2) Under the terms of House
Concurrent Resolution No. 4,(3) heretofore agreed to by
the Senate, today at 12 o'clock noon the
[[Page 152]]
Senate is to participate in a joint session of the two Houses for
the purpose of commemorating the one hundred and fiftieth
anniversary of the meeting of the First Congress of the United
States. As the time from now until 12 o'clock will be required to
enable the Senate to reach the Hall of the House of
Representatives, the Chair suggests, if it is agreeable, that the
Senate now proceed in a body to the Chamber of the other House. . .
.
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2. John N. Garner (TX).
3. See 84 Cong. Rec. 974, 76th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 31, 1939.
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The Senate will now proceed to the Hall of the House of
Representatives.
The Senate, preceded by its Sergeant at Arms (Chesley W.
Jurney), the Vice President, and the President pro tempore,
proceeded to the Hall of the House of Representatives. . . .
At 12 o'clock and 5 minutes p.m., the Doorkeeper, Mr. Joseph J.
Sinnott, announced the Vice President of the United States and the
Members of the Senate.
The Members of the House rose.
The Senate, the Vice President, and the President pro tempore,
preceded by its Chief Clerk, Mr. John C. Crockett, and Sergeant at
Arms, Col. Chesley W. Jurney, entered the Chamber.
The Vice President took the chair to the right of the Speaker,
and the Members of the Senate took the seats reserved for them.
Whereupon, the Speaker relinquished the gavel to the Vice
President, who, as the Presiding Officer of the Joint Session of
the two Houses, called the meeting to order.
The Doorkeeper announced the following guests of honor, who
were escorted to the seats assigned to them:
The Chief Justice of the United States and the Associate
Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.
The Ambassadors, the Ministers, and the Charge d'Affaires of
Foreign Governments.
The Chief of Staff of the United States Army, the Chief of
Naval Operations of the United States Navy, the Major General
Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, and the Commandant of
the United States Coast Guard.
The Commissioners of the District of Columbia.
The members of the President's Cabinet.
At 12 o'clock and 16 minutes p.m., the Doorkeeper announced the
President of the United States, accompanied by the Joint
Congressional Committee on Arrangements of the Senate and House,
who was escorted to a seat on the Speaker's rostrum.
Miss Gladys Swarthout sang ``America.''
The VICE PRESIDENT. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New
York, Mr. Bloom, a member of the Joint Committee on Arrangements,
to read the concurrent resolution providing for the assembling of
the two Houses of Congress in the Hall of the House of
Representatives on this day for the purpose of holding fitting and
proper exercises in commemoration of the One Hundred and Fiftieth
Anniversary of the Commencement of the First Congress of the United
States under the Constitution.
Mr. [Sol] BLOOM [of New York]. On February 1, 1939, the
following concurrent resolution was adopted by the Congress
[reading]:
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring),
[[Page 153]]
That in commemoration of the one hundred fiftieth anniversary
of the First Congress of the United States under the
Constitution, begun and held at the city of New York on
Wednesday, the 4th of March 1789, the two Houses of Congress
shall assemble in the Hall of the House of Representatives at
12 o'clock p.m., on Saturday, March 4, 1939.
That a joint committee consisting of five Members of the
House of Representatives and five Members of the Senate shall
be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and
the President of the Senate, respectively, which is empowered
to make suitable arrangements for fitting and proper exercises
for the joint session of Congress herein authorized.
That invitations to attend the exercises be extended to the
President of the United States and the members of his Cabinet,
the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court
of the United States, the Diplomatic Corps (through the
Secretary of State), the General of the Armies, the Chief of
Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Major
General Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Commandant of
the Coast Guard, and such other persons as the Joint Committee
on Arrangements shall deem proper.
That the President of the United States is hereby invited
to address the American people at the joint session of the
Congress in commemoration of the one hundred fiftieth
anniversary of the First Congress of the United States under
the Constitution.
Adopted February 1, 1939.
Mr. BLOOM. Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to present
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. William B.
Bankhead.(4)
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4. William B. Bankhead (AL).
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address of the speaker of the house of representatives hon.
william b. bankhead
Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, gentleman of the Supreme
Court, Members of the Senate and House of Representatives,
gentlemen of the Diplomatic Corps, ladies, and gentlemen: . . .
One hundred and fifty years ago this day there assembled in the
city of New York the First Congress of the United States of America
under its newly adopted Constitution. The mere statement of that
incident carries only a reflection of the years that have passed,
but in terms of what that occasion meant there has been no more
arresting episode in the history of modern civilization. The
properties of this occasion forbid even a casual review on my part
of the historical background of the event we are convened to
celebrate. . . .
To my brethren in both branches of Congress this should be
embraced as an occasion of rededication to the best interests of
our Republic. Despite the limitations of our judgments and
intellects--because, forsooth, at no time nor under any
administration, have we infallibly measured up to the full needs of
the hour--nevertheless, we are the emissaries of our constituencies
and the symbols of representative government. May we this day find
the grace to renew the prayer of Daniel Webster, deposited in the
cornerstone of this wing of the Capitol on July 4, 1851:
If, therefore, it shall be hereafter the will of God that
this structure shall fall from its base, that its foundation be
upturned, and this deposit brought to the eyes of men, be it
then known, that, on this day, the
[[Page 154]]
Union of the United States of America stands firm, that their
Constitution still exists unimpaired, and with all its original
usefulness and glory; growing every day stronger and stronger
in the affections of the great body of the American people, and
attracting more and more the admiration of the world. And all
here assembled, whether belonging to public life or to private
life, with hearts devoutly thankful to Almighty God for the
preservation of the liberty and happiness of the country, unite
in sincere and fervent prayers that this deposit, and the walls
and arches, the domes and towers, the columns and entablatures
now to be erected over it may endure forever!
God save the United States of America!
The VICE PRESIDENT. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Texas, Mr. Rayburn.
Mr. [Sam] RAYBURN [of Texas]. It is a privilege at this time to
present the President pro tempore of the Senate of the United
States, Mr. Key Pittman.(5)
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5. Key Pittman (NV).
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address of the president pro tempore of the senate hon. key
pittman
Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, gentlemen of
the Supreme Court, Members of the House of Representatives and the
United States Senate, gentlemen of the Diplomatic Corps, ladies,
and gentlemen:
This in my opinion is the most remarkable and happiest birthday
ever celebrated on behalf of a parliamentary body. This celebration
is honored by the President of the United States and by the Chief
Justice of the United States as heads of the other two great
independent departments of our Government, the commanders in chief
of every branch of our military service, and the diplomatic corps
of the world. . . .
The VICE PRESIDENT. The Chair recognizes the Senator from
Kentucky, Mr. Barkley.
Mr. [Alben W.] BARKLEY [of Kentucky]. Mr. President, since the
4th day of March 1789 there have been 8,124 men and women who have
served in the House of Representatives. One thousand three hundred
and eighty-four men and women have served in the United States
Senate. The number of those who have served in both Houses is 461.
The total number of persons who have served in the Cabinets of all
the Presidents is 313. The number of individuals who have served as
Governors of the various States is 1,558. There have been 42
Speakers of the House of Representatives; 32 different persons have
served as Vice Presidents, of whom 6 have succeeded to the
Presidency by virtue of the death of the President; 31 individuals
have served as President. On the Supreme Court there have been 70
Associate Justices and 11 Chief Justices of the United States. . .
.
I present to you the Chief Justice of the United States.
address of the chief justice of the united states hon. charles
e. hughes
Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the
Senate and House of Representatives, gentlemen of the Diplomatic
Corps, ladies, and gentlemen:
I thank you, Senator Barkley, from the depths of my heart for
your very generous words.
[[Page 155]]
The most significant fact in connection with this anniversary
is that after 150 years, notwithstanding expansion of territory,
enormous increase in population and profound economic changes,
despite direct attack and subversive influences, there is every
indication that the vastly preponderant sentiment of the American
people is that our form of government shall be preserved. . . .
The VICE PRESIDENT. Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the
United States.
address of the president of the united states hon. franklin d.
roosevelt
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, gentlemen of the Supreme
Court, Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives,
gentlemen of the Diplomatic Corps, ladies, and gentleman:
We near the end of a 3-year commemoration of the founding of
the Government of the United States. It has been aptly suggested
that its successful organizing should rank as the eighth wonder of
the world--for surely the evolution of permanent substance out of
nebulous chaos justifies us in the use of superlatives. . . .
Here in this great Hall are assembled the present members of
the Government of the United States of America--the Congress, the
Supreme Court, and the Executive. Our fathers rightly believe that
this Government which they set up would seek as a whole to act as a
whole for the good governing of the Nation. It is in the same
spirit that we are met here today, 150 years later, to carry on
their task. May God continue to guide our steps.
Miss Gladys Swarthout and Mr. John Charles Thomas sang ``The
Star-Spangled Banner.''
benediction
Rev. ZeBarney Thorne Phillips, D.D., LL.D., Chaplain of the
Senate, pronounced the benediction[.]. . .
The VICE PRESIDENT. The Joint Session of the Congress which
assembled for the purpose of holding fitting and proper exercises
in commemoration of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the
Commencement of the First Congress of the United States under the
Constitution is now dissolved.
Thereupon,
The Joint Congressional Committee on Arrangements escorted the
President of the United States and the members of his cabinet from
the Hall of the House.
The Doorkeeper escorted the other invited guests of honor from
the Hall of the House in the following order:
The Chief Justice of the United States and the Associate
Justices of the Supreme Court;
The Ambassadors, the Ministers, and the Charges d'Affaires of
foreign governments;
The Chief of Staff of the United States Army; the Chief of
Naval Operations of the United States Navy; the Major General
Commandant of the United States Marine Corps; and the Commandant of
the United States Coast Guard;
The Commissioners of the District of Columbia.
The SPEAKER resumed the chair.
The SPEAKER. Without objection, the proceedings in the House
today
[[Page 156]]
will be included in the Record of this date.
There was no objection.
adjournment
The SPEAKER. Without objection, the House will stand adjourned
until 12 o'clock on Monday.
There was no objection.
Accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 48 minutes p.m.) the House
adjourned until Monday, March 6, 1939, at 12 o'clock noon.
Anniversary of the Constitution
Sec. 4.5 The House agreed to a concurrent resolution, considered by
unanimous consent, providing for the attendance of Members and
Senators at a special ceremony to be held in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, in honor of the Bicentennial of the Constitution and
in commemoration of the Great Compromise of the Constitutional
Convention.
On May 28, 1987,(1) the House agreed to the following:
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1. 105 Cong. Rec. 14031-34, 100th Cong. 1st Sess.
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PROVIDING FOR PROCEDURES IN HONOR OF THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE
CONSTITUTION
Mr. [Thomas S.] FOLEY [of Washington]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 131) providing for the
attendance of Representatives, Senators, and other appropriate
persons at a special ceremony and related events to be held in
Philadelphia, PA, in honor of the bicentennial of the Constitution
and in commemoration of the Great Compromise of the Constitutional
Convention, and ask unanimous consent for its immediate
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) The Clerk will report
the concurrent resolution.
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2. John Murtha (PA).
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The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:
H. Con. Res. 131
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That (a) the Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate,
acting jointly, shall designate, from among the Representatives
and Senators from each State, one official delegate to
represent the Congress at a special ceremony to be held on
Thursday, July, 16, 1987, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in
honor of the bicentennial of the Constitution and in
commemoration of the Great Compromise of the Constitutional
Convention.
(b) The official delegates designated under subsection (a)
shall be led by the Speaker, the majority leader, and the
minority leader of the House of Representatives, and by the
majority leader and the minority leader of the Senate, who
shall also be official delegates.
(c) Each designation under subsection (a) shall be made
upon the recommendation of the Representatives and Senators of
the State involved, acting jointly. Such recommendation shall
be delivered to
[[Page 157]]
the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President
pro tempore of the Senate not later than fourteen days after
the date on which this resolution is agreed to.
Sec. 2. The Speaker of the House of Representatives (in
consultation with the majority leader and the minority leader
of the House of Representatives), with respect to the House of
Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate
(in consultation with the majority leader and the minority
leader of the Senate), with respect to the Senate, may
designate additional Representatives, Senators, and other
appropriate persons to participate in events related to the
special ceremony.
Sec. 3. On behalf of the Congress, the Representatives and
Senators from Pennsylvania (acting jointly and in cooperation
with the Commission on the U.S. House of Representatives
Bicentenary, the U.S. Senate Bicentennial Commission, the
officers of the House of Representatives, and the officers of
the Senate) may make arrangements with the sponsors of the
special ceremony and related events for participation by the
official delegates and other persons designated under this
resolution.
Sec. 4. Amounts necessary to carry out this resolution with
respect to the House of Representatives shall be available as
provided by law. There shall be available from the contingent
fund of the Senate such amounts as may be necessary to carry
out this resolution with respect to the Senate.
Mr. FOLEY (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous
consent that the concurrent resolution be considered as read and
printed in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Washington?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the initial
request of the gentleman from Washington?
There was no objection. . . .
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the concurrent
resolution.
The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Parliamentarian's Note: This occasion marked the first time that
the Congress engaged in ceremonial functions outside the seat
of government. The second instance was the ceremonial meeting
that took place in Federal Hall, New York, New York following
the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. See Sec. 16.4, supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This concurrent resolution represents a greatly scaled-down version
of Congressional participation in the Philadelphia celebration of the
bicentennial. The original plans called for each House to convene and
actually conduct business there, but the logistics (especially the cost
and security involved) became prohibitive.
Sec. 4.6 By unanimous consent, the House considered a concurrent
resolution, reported from the Committee on Public Works and
Transportation, authorizing a public ceremony to be conducted on
the west lawn of the Capitol.
[[Page 158]]
On Aug. 6, 1987,(1) the House considered House
Concurrent Resolution 161, authorizing a ceremony in honor of the
Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. The proceedings were as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 133 Cong. Rec. 22719, 22720, 100th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CELEBRATION OF CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY
Mr. [James] HOWARD [of New Jersey]. Mr. Speaker, I ask
unanimous consent for the immediate consideration of the concurrent
resolution (H. Con. Res. 161) authorizing a public ceremony on the
west lawn of the Capitol in honor of the bicentennial of the U.S.
Constitution.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) Is there objection to
the request of the gentleman from New Jersey? . . .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Brian Joseph Donnelly (MA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:
H. Con. Res. 161
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring),
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT A CEREMONY ON THE UNITED
STATES CAPITOL GROUNDS.
On September 16, 1987, the Commission on the Bicentennial
of the United States Constitution may conduct a ceremony,
entitled ``Celebration of Citizenship,'' on the West Terraces
and Lawns of the United States Capitol to honor the
Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. For the
purposes of this resolution, the Commission on the
Bicentennial of the United States Constitution is authorized
to erect upon the United States Capitol Grounds, subject to
the approval of the Architect of the Capitol, such stands,
stages, sound amplification devices and other related
structures and equipment as may be required for the conduct
of the ceremony.
SEC. 2. RESPONSIBILITY OF CAPITOL POLICE BOARD.
The Capitol Police Board shall take such action as may be
necessary to carry out section 1.
SEC. 3. CONDITIONS RELATING TO PHYSICAL PREPARATION.
The Architect of the Capitol may prescribe conditions for
physical preparations for the event authorized by section 1.
The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
On Sept. 16, 1987,(3) the Speaker(4) was
authorized to declare a recess on a subsequent day for a ceremony on
the west terrace of the Capitol in honor of the Bicentennial of the
U.S. Constitution. The announcement was as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. 133 Cong. Rec. 24057, 100th Cong. 1st Sess.
4. James C. Wright, Jr. (TX).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
The SPEAKER. Let the Chair announce that the Celebration of
Citizenship which will be observed on the west front of the Capitol
commencing at 1 o'clock will last for approximately 1 hour. The
latter half of that time will be nationally televised. This is an
occurrence for the purpose of observing the 200th anniversary of
the Constitution. Therefore, it will be the purpose of the Chair to
declare a recess at approximately 12:45 in order that Members may
take the seats reserved for Members of the Congress on the west
front for this ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of our
Constitution.
[[Page 159]]
We would then expect to be back in session at approximately
2:15.
1976 Bicentennial Celebration
Sec. 4.7 Resolution reported from the Committee on Rules providing for
consideration in the House of a concurrent resolution not reported
from that committee; after adoption, the Committee on Rules also
discharged a similar Senate concurrent resolution from
consideration in the House.
On June 23, 1975,(1) the following took place:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 121 Cong. Rec. 20261-64, 94th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. [Gillis W.] LONG of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, by direction of
the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 555 and ask for
its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 555
Resolved, That upon adoption of this resolution it shall be
in order to consider the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res.
292) to provide for the appointment of a Joint Committee on
Arrangements for the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the
United States of America in the House. After the adoption of H.
Con. Res. 292, the Committee on Rules shall be discharged from
the further consideration of the Senate concurrent resolution,
S. Con. Res. 44, and it shall then be in order to consider said
Senate concurrent resolution in the House.
The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) The gentleman from
Louisiana is recognized for 1 hour. . . .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. John J. McFall (CA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. LONG of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I move the previous
question on the resolution.
The previous question was ordered.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Mr. LONG of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the
Committee on Rules, I call up House Concurrent Resolution 292 and
ask that it be considered in the House.
The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:
H. Con. Res. 292
Whereas the Congress has represented the people of the
United States since the First Continental Congress met in
Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia from September 5 to October
26, 1774; and . . .
Sec. 5. The expenses of the joint committee shall be paid
from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon
vouchers approved by the chairman of the joint committee. . . .
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Louisiana is
recognized for 1 hour.
Mr. LONG of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes. .
. .
Mr. LONG of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I move the previous
question on the concurrent resolution.
The previous question was ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the concurrent
resolution.
[[Page 160]]
The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Mr. LONG of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the rule, I
call up the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 44) and ask
for its immediate consideration.
motion offered by mr. long of louisiana
Mr. LONG of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion.
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring) That the Congress should play a significant and
substantive role in honoring the Nation's two hundredth
anniversary and in assisting the American Revolution
Bicentennial Administration.
Sec. 2. (a) There is hereby established a joint
congressional committee to be known as the Joint Committee on
Arrangements for the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the
United States of America (herein referred to as the ``joint
committee''). . . .
Sec. 5. The expenses of the joint committee shall be paid
from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon
vouchers approved by the chairman of the joint committee.
The Senate concurrent resolution was concurred in.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
A similar House concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 292) was
laid on the table.
Magna Carta Loan for Bicentennial Celebration
Sec. 4.8 By unanimous consent, the House considered a concurrent
resolution expressing the appreciation of the Congress to the
Parliament of the United Kingdom for the loan to the United States
of the Magna Carta of 1215 A.D.
On Oct. 22, 1975,(1) the following proceedings took
place:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 121 Cong. Rec. 33674, 33675, 94th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOAN OF THE MAGNA CARTA TO THE UNITED STATES FOR THE
BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Mr. [Thomas P.] O'NEILL [Jr., of Massachusetts]. Mr. Speaker,
on behalf of the minority leader and myself, I offer a concurrent
resolution (H. Con. Res. 458) and ask unanimous consent for its
immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:
H. Con. Res. 458
Whereas, The historic document known as the Magna Carta of
1215 A.D. represents an essential link in the long chain of
constitutional instruments; and
Whereas, American colonists brought with them from England
the traditions of free government and the principle that all
persons stand as equals before the law, concepts which had been
embodied in the Magna Carta, and they regarded them as their
birthright and incorporated them in their colonial charters and
constitutions; and
[[Page 161]]
Whereas, In drafting the Constitution and the Bill of
Rights of the United States, our founding fathers sought to
guarantee to the people of these United States the freedom of
the church, an independent judiciary, the right to a speedy
trial, and the concept of due process of law, which principles
were clearly derived from the Magna Carta; and
Whereas, In recognition of the Bicentennial celebrations of
the United States of America, the House of Lords and the House
of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland have unanimously adopted motions
respectfully praying that Her Majesty, the Queen, direct that
an original copy of the Magna Carta be loaned to the people of
the United States, to be held by their representative, the
Congress of the United States, for a period of one year; and
Whereas, This loan has been authorized by Her Majesty, The
Queen, in order that this historic document may be displayed in
the Capitol, enclosed in a showcase donated by the United
Kingdom for that purpose; Therefore be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress of the United States recognizes
that it is natural that men should value the original documents
which guarantee their rights, and thus hereby expresses its
sincere gratitude to Her Majesty, The Queen, the Parliament and
the people of the United Kingdom for their loan to this Nation
of the Magna Carta, a document of historic and symbolic
significance to the peoples of both our Nations, and believes
that its temporary residence here in the country of its
philosophical descendants, the Declaration of Independence, the
Constitution and the Bill of Rights, will contribute an
important historical perspective to the Bicentennial
celebration, and be it further
Resolved, That the showcase donated to the United States by
the United Kingdom to be used to display the Magna Carta may be
placed in the rotunda of the United States Capitol, and the
Architect of the Capitol is hereby authorized to make the
necessary arrangements therefor, including the payment of all
necessary expenses incurred in connection with the
installation, maintenance, and protection thereof; and be it
further
Resolved, That the Secretary of State is requested to
transmit a copy of these resolutions to the Parliament of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The SPEAKER.(2) Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Massachusetts?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Carl Albert (OK).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was no objection.
The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Sec. 4.9 Instance where the House rejected a Senate concurrent
resolution authorizing appointment of a joint House-Senate
delegation to go to the United Kingdom at the invitation of the
British Parliament to accept the loan of an original copy of the
Magna Carta.
On Mar. 9, 1976,(1) the following proceedings occurred:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 122 Cong. Rec. 5847, 5848, 94th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 162]]
PROVIDING FOR DELEGATION OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO GO TO UNITED
KINGDOM TO ACCEPT LOAN OF AN ORIGINAL COPY OF THE MAGNA CARTA
Mr. [Thomas P.] O'NEILL [Jr., of Massachusetts]. Mr. Speaker, I
ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate
concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 98) to provide for a delegation
of Members of Congress to go to the United Kingdom for purposes of
accepting a loan of an original copy of the Magna Carta, and for
other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the
House.
The Clerk read the title of the Senate concurrent resolution.
The SPEAKER.(2) Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Massachusetts?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Carl Albert (OK).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. [Robert E.] BAUMAN [of Maryland]. Mr. Speaker, reserving
the right to object, earlier I objected to the consideration of
this Senate concurrent resolution on today. I am fully aware, of
course, that an objection would do nothing more than send the
Senate concurrent resolution to the Committee on Rules, where a
rule will be obtained and this resolution brought to the floor for
a vote.
I do not personally support sending such a congressional
delegation at taxpayers' expense for this purpose, and I will vote
against it, but I do not object to the consideration of the Senate
concurrent resolution at this time.
Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman
from Massachusetts?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the Senate concurrent resolution as follows:
S. Con. Res. 98
Whereas, in recognition of the Bicentennial celebrations of
the United States of America, the House of Lords and the House
of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland have unanimously adopted motions
respectfully praying that Her Majesty, the Queen, direct that
an original copy of the Magna Carta be placed on loan to the
people of the United States for a period of one year; and
Whereas, this loan has now been graciously authorized by
Her Majesty, the Queen, and, by concurrent resolution of the
United States Congress, this historic document of freedom and
of the abiding principles of law will now be displayed in the
Rotunda of the United States Capitol, there to be contained
within a showcase to be donated by the United Kingdom for such
purpose: now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That (a) a delegation of Members of Congress shall
be appointed to proceed at the invitation of the two Houses of
Parliament, to the United Kingdom, there to attend the
presentation of the Magna Carta, under suitable auspices, to
the people of the United States, to be held in the custody of
their representative, the Congress of the United States, for a
period of one year;
(b) the delegation shall consist of the Speaker of the
House of Representatives and not to exceed twenty-four
additional Members appointed as follows:
(1) Twelve appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
[[Page 163]]
(2) Twelve appointed by the President of the Senate on the
recommendation of the Majority and Minority Leaders.
(3) The Speaker shall be the Chairman of the delegation and
the Majority Leader of the Senate shall be the Vice Chairman.
Sec. 2. There are authorized to be paid from the contingent
fund of the Senate on vouchers approved by the Chairman and
Vice Chairman, such amounts as the Chairman and Vice Chairman
of the delegation jointly shall determine to be necessary (one
half of such expenditures shall be reimbursed by the House of
Representatives and such reimbursement is hereby authorized):
(1) for the expenses of the delegation, including expenses
of staff members designated by the Chairman and Vice Chairman,
respectively to assist the delegation;
(2) for the reimbursement of any department or agency of
the Federal Government for expenses incurred by it on behalf of
the delegation and expenses incurred in connection with the
functions of the delegation in the United Kingdom;
(3) for payment of expenses in connection with the display
of the Magna Carta in the United States Capitol, including
those expenses associated with delegations invited from the
Government of the United Kingdom or other nations in connection
with joint Bicentennial ceremonies at the Capitol.
Sec. 3. All authority for such expenditures shall expire at
the close of business on December 31, 1976.
The SPEAKER. The question is on the Senate concurrent
resolution.
The question was taken; and the Speaker announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Mr. [Steven D.] SYMMS (of Idaho). Mr. Speaker, I object to the
vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point
of order that a quorum is not present.
The SPEAKER. Evidently a quorum is not present.
The Sergeant at Arms will notify absent members.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were, yeas
167, nays 219, answered ``present'' 1, not voting 45, as follows:
[Roll No. 97] . . .
So the Senate concurrent resolution was rejected.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
The SPEAKER. The Clerk will notify the Senate of the action of
the House.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. See 122 Cong. Rec. 6776-94, 94th Cong. 2d Sess., Mar. 17, 1976,
where the House vacated proceedings and agreed to S. Con. Res.
98, as amended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 4.10 The Speaker announced from the Chair the program to be held
in the Capitol Rotunda prior to convening of the House on a
subsequent day to receive a copy of the Magna Carta from a
delegation from the British Parliament.
On June 1, 1976,(1) the Speaker(2) made the
following announcement:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 122 Cong. Rec. 16018, 16019, 94th Cong. 2d Sess.
2. Carl Albert (OK).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 164]]
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
The SPEAKER. A historic Bicentennial ceremony will take place
in the rotunda of the Capitol on Thursday, June 3, 1976, when the
Magna Carta is formally accepted by the Congress from the
Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland. Members are advised that they should assemble in the Hall
of the House promptly at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 3, 1976, in
order to proceed in a body to the rotunda for the ceremony. The
procession to the rotunda will be led by leadership representing
both sides of the aisle and senior Members of the House, with other
Members following in order of their relative seniority in the
House. . . .
Without objection, the order of proceedings will be included at
this point in the Record:
Order of Proceedings
Musical Program by the United States Air Force Orchestra to
begin at 10:15 a.m.
Arrival of The Senate.
Arrival of the House of Representatives.
Procession of The American Delegation.
Procession of The British Delegation.
Arrival of The Lord Chancellor, The Speaker, The Lord Privy
Seal, and The Marquess of Lothian.
Greetings by The Vice President, The Speaker, The Senate
Majority Leader, The House Majority Leader, The Senate Minority
Leader, and The House Minority Leader.
Playing of the British and American National Anthems by the
United States Marine Band.
Procession of Congressional and Parliamentary Leaders led
by the Senate and House Sergeants at Arms.
The Honorable Carl Albert.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Elwyn-Jones, Q.C.
The Rt. Hon. George Thomas, M.P.
Mr. John Watheston.
Brigadier N. E. V. Short.
The Honorable Nelson Rockefeller.
The Honorable Mike Mansfield.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Shepherd.
The Marquess of Lothian.
The Honorable Hugh Scott.
The Honorable Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.
The Honorable John Rhodes.
Welcome by the Honorable Hugh Scott, The Minority Leader of
the Senate.
Invocation by the Reverend Edward L. R. Elson, Chaplain of
The Senate.
``Ballad of Magna Carta'' performed by United States Air
Force Orchestra and Chorus.
Remarks by The Honorable Hugh Scott.
Posting of the British Military Detail: The Grenadier
Guards, The Coldstream Guards, The Scots Guards, The Irish
Guards, and The Welsh Guards.
Presentation of Magna Carta by The Rt. Hon. Lord Elwyn-
Jones, Q.C., The Lord Chancellor.
Opening of Presentation Case by the British Military
Detail.
Acceptance of Magna Carta by The Honorable Carl Albert, The
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Posting of the American Military Detail: The United States
Army, The United States Marine Corps, The United States Navy,
The United States Air Force, and The United States Coast Guard.
Benediction by The Reverend Edward G. Latch, Chaplain of
The House of Representatives.
[[Page 165]]
The British and American Delegations will view Magna Carta,
followed by Members of the Senate and House of Representatives
and Guests.
Those who do not wish to view the Magna Carta at the end of the
ceremony may exit through the north and south rotunda doors.
Sec. 4.11 By unanimous consent, the proceedings had in the British
Parliament, when the Magna Carta was presented on loan to the
congressional delegation in Westminster Hall and in the Capitol
Rotunda, were printed in the Congressional Record.
On June 3, 1976,(1) the following proceedings occurred:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 122 Cong. Rec. 16492, 94th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS OF THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1976, IN
WESTMINSTER HALL AND OF TODAY IN THE ROTUNDA DURING ACCEPTANCE
OF MAGNA CARTA
Mr. [John J.] McFALL [of California]. Mr. Speaker, I ask
unanimous consent that the proceedings on Thursday, May 27, 1976,
in Westminster Hall and the proceedings of today in the rotunda
during acceptance of the Magna Carta be printed in the Record.
The SPEAKER.(2) Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from California?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Carl Albert (OK).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was no objection.
In the Senate, on June 3, 1976, the following transcript was
printed in the Congressional Record:(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. See 122 Cong. Rec. 16473-75, 94th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECESS UNTIL 2:13 P.M.
Mr. [Michael J.] MANSFIELD [of Montana]. Now, Mr. President,
under the previous order I ask that the Senate stand in recess for
15 minutes for the purpose of introducing the parliamentary
delegation from the United Kingdom visiting here for the purpose of
allowing us to retain the original copy of the Magna Carta for the
rest of this Bicentennial Year, and also for the purpose of
allowing those of us who wish to do so, and I believe that will
include all of us, to shake hands with our distinguished guests,
the time not to exceed 15 minutes.
There being no objection, the Senate, at 1:58 p.m., recessed
until 2:13 p.m.; whereupon, the Senate reassembled when called to
order by the Presiding Officer (Mr. Fannin).
(During the recess, the following proceedings occurred:)
Mr. MANSFIELD. Mr. President, if I may have the attention of
the Senate, and if Senators will take their seats temporarily, I
would like to welcome, on behalf of the Senate, the delegation from
the Parliament of the United Kingdom and their associates.
This delegation, which the distinguished Republican leader and
I met with in England, is over in this country as our guests. It is
here for the presentation of the original copy of the Magna Carta,
to emphasize the link between our respective countries based
[[Page 166]]
on two of the greatest documents in the world insofar as the rights
of people are concerned, the Magna Carta and the Declaration of
Independence.
Their hospitality has been extraordinary; we hope that, in some
small way, we have been able to repay them.
I would like at this time to introduce the members of the
delegation of the United Kingdom and their associates. I would
suggest that their wives rise at the time of the announcement of
the names of their husbands.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Elwyn-Jones, Q.C., Lord Chancellor,
accompanied by Lady Elwyn-Jones.
The Rt. Hon. George Thomas, M.P., Speaker.
The Rt. Hon. Michael Foot, M.P., Lord President of the
Council (who I believe is absent due to official business of
the Council.) . . .
And finally, one of the real spark plugs in this gathering,
Brigadier P.S. Ward, C.B.E., Secretary of the Parliamentary
Bicentenary Committee.
[Applause, Senators rising.]
Thereupon the distinguished visitors were greeted by Senators
in the well of the Chamber.
(This concludes proceedings that occurred during the
recess.) -------------------
MAGNA CARTA
Mr. [John G.] TOWER [of Texas]. Mr. President, a British
visitor to this country once observed that the United States is a
virtual museum of British legal and political institutions; in
fact, Mr. President, we owe a great deal to the constitutions of
Clarendon, the Magna Carta, and the English Bill of Rights of 1688.
I think never have I seen a more persuasive sense of history in
this Capitol than was the case this morning with the very moving
presentation of the Magna Carta by our British friends and the
acceptance by the Speaker.
I, therefore, Mr. President, ask unanimous consent that there
be printed in the Record the remarks made by Senator Hugh Scott, as
the keynote, the presentation speech made by the Lord Chancellor,
Lord Elwyn-Jones, and the acceptance speech made by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives, Congressman Albert.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
Remarks by U.S. Senator Hugh Scott
Another distinguished British observer, Lord Bryce, visited
the United States during the time of our centennial
celebration. He observed that Americans love all that is old
and established. He explained our evident pride in our history
and government by reference to the deeply-rooted instincts of
our British heritage ``that practical shrewdness which
recognizes the vale of permanence and solidity in
institutions.'' . . .
Address by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Elwyn-Jones
It is my honour and pleasure first to bring to this great
Assembly of representatives of the American people the
greetings and abundant good wishes of my fellow
Parliamentarians and of the people of the United Kingdom. . . .
Remarks by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Carl
Albert
We meet here today to complete what was begun in such warm
good
[[Page 167]]
will ten days ago. The Members of Parliament of the United
Kingdom welcomed my colleagues and me then at Westminster Hall,
the most historic structure in Britain. . . .
I salute this friendship. I salute the generosity of the
British peoples, their sovereign and their government. I thank
them for giving Americans the opportunity to view, during the
coming year, an original copy of Magna Carta and the superb
replica and the showcase of gold, silver and enamel that will
find their permanent home here.
Sec. 4.12 The Speaker, pursuant to authority previously granted,
declared a recess to allow members to attend a ceremony in the
Rotunda in connection with the return of a copy of the Magna Carta
to Great Britain.
On June 10, 1977,(1) the Speaker pro
tempore(2) was authorized to declare a recess subject to the
call of the Chair:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 123 Cong. Rec. 18408, 95th Cong. 1st Sess.
2. James C. Wright, Jr. (TX).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTHORIZING SPEAKER OR SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE TO DECLARE RECESS ON
MONDAY NEXT PERMITTING MEMBERS TO ATTEND CEREMONY IN CONNECTION
WITH RETURN OF THE MAGNA CARTA TO THE BRITISH PEOPLE
Mrs. [Shirley] CHISHOLM [of New York]. Mr. Speaker, I ask
unanimous consent that it may be in order at any time on Monday,
June 13, 1977, for the Speaker or the Speaker pro tempore to
declare a recess subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose
of permitting Members to attend a ceremony in the rotunda of the
Capitol. There will be a short ceremony at about 3 p.m. in
connection with the return of the Magna Carta to the British people
who so graciously loaned it for our Bicentennial.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentlewoman from New York?
There was no objection.
On June 13, 1977,(3) pursuant to authority previously
granted, the Speaker declared a recess to allow Members to attend the
ceremony in the Rotunda of the Capitol in connection with the return of
a copy of the Magna Carta to Great Britain:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. 123 Cong. Rec. 18579, 18580, 95th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECESS
The SPEAKER.(4) Pursuant to the order of the House
of June 10, 1977, the Chair declares the House in recess until the
hour of 3:30 p.m., for the purpose of allowing Members to attend
the ceremonies at approximately 3 p.m. in the rotunda of the
Capitol in connection with the return of the Magna Carta.
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4. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. (MA).
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Accordingly (at 2 o'clock and 47 minutes p.m.), the House stood
in recess until 3:30
p.m. -------------------
AFTER RECESS
The recess having expired, the House was called to order by the
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Speaker at 3 o'clock and 30 minutes p.m.